Number 10:

Band Name:  Immortal Bird

Album Name:  Sin Querencia

General Information: 

Year of Formation:  2013

Record Label:  20 Buck Spin

This album continues the exploration of their sound without boundaries—there isn’t really any way to classify their sound other than simply calling it metal or Immortal Bird. They are what they are and do what they do. I could sit here all day and explain that I hear black metal and crust, among several other things, but it’s better if I just talk about why the album kicks ass and why this band is one of the best on the scene playing extreme metal.

Number 9:

Band Name:  Hideous Divinity

Album Name:  Unextinct

General Information: 

Year of Formation:  2007

Record Label:  Century Media Records

As far as I’m concerned, this album is a perfect example of a band leveling up their sound in every way possible. This is the way death metal should be played and the sound that should be used to usher the genre into the modern world. Nothing can prepare you for this journey but “Unextinct” should be visited regardless, by even those who only like extreme metal in the smallest degree.

Number 8:

Band Name:  The Crown

Album Name:  Crown of Thorns

General Information: 

Year of Formation:  1990

Record Label:  Metal Blade Records

The Crown has been part of my life for a long time now and I’m pleased to no end that this far into their career, they have released an album this good. If you’re a fan, you’ll love it instantly. Even if you have given up on them for whatever reason, this will pull you back in. “Crown of Thorns,” is a keeper.

Number 7:

Band Name:  Serement

Album Name: Abhorrent Invocations

General Information: 

Year of Formation:  2022

Record Label:  Dolorem Records

“Abhorrent Invocation,” is an amazingly well written album. It’s fast and brutal, leaning into a STYLE of death metal that is underground as hell but not afraid to mix it up with groove and even melody here and there. The blackened aspect of their sound adds just enough rough grime to their sound, Providing a menacing edge to their brutality. It's probably not the idea that extreme metal bands are going for but every song on the album has a hook that grabbed me; the album is a memorable collection of songs. The production and mix is exactly what I want for the style as well. It isn't clean by any means but it has enough clarity that nothing is hidden behind a muffled wall of noise either.

Number 6:

Band Name:  Hell Is Other People

Album Name:  Moirae

General Information: 

Year of Formation:  2016

Record Label:  Transcending Obscurity Records

The layers grow, twisting, turning, melting and reborn into a new life. The guitars climb higher and higher, the vocals another step towards a new climax. The band brings it full throttle for the rest of the song, putting together all the album’s best elements as it reaches the end. HELL IS OTHER PEOPLE’s “Moirae,” is a stunning achievement in how to meld abrasive, searing music with melancholic and melodic textures without compromising on anything. Post, Black, DSBM...it doesn’t matter what it is called because, simply put, “Moirae” is the best album I’ve heard this year under the black metal umbrella.

Number 5:

Band Name:  Oubliette

Album Name:  Eternity Whispers

General Information: 

Year of Formation:  2011

Record Label:  The Artisan Era

Musically, I find this album to be much more melodic. With that being said, it doesn't take away from their haunting and atmospheric sound. If anything, the focus on melody covers the music in a new found sorrow, that's every bit as regal as it is misanthropic. Ultimately, the album's overall sound is mordant and erosive, retaining the underground of black metal and its abrasive convictions. All in all, OUBLIETTE’s “Eternity Whispers,” may take a slightly different approach but it’s more like a different path down the same horror filled grove. This album is every bit as engaging and commanding as their other music. This one will definitely be around for years to come!

Number 4:

Band Name:  Blighted Eye

Album Name:  Agony's Bespoke

General Information: 

Year of Formation:  2019

Record Label:  Beyond The Top Records

“Agony's Bespoke” has a huge sound that covers a wide variety of styles. Black, death and large does melodic textures find a place within the albums 1 hour runtime. Even elements of doom and prog ate integrated. You could think of the album as a jack of trades but instead of being a master of none…it absolutely nails everything. Blighted Eye’s “Agony’s Bespoke” is an impressive display of songwriting. It changes direction and mixes styles in a smooth, intelligent way that makes it seem like a living, breathing creature. A highly impressive album that won’t soon be forgotten.

Number 3:

Band Name:  Eremit

Album Name: Rise of the Ruan~angh

General Information: 

Year of Formation:  2015

Record Label:  Drei Gleichen

Although I don’t think it is possible for an EP, even one as good as this, to reach the heights of such a masterful album that is “Wearer of Numerous Forms,” it does an noteworthy job of expanding the EREMIT’s lore of their past even while looking to the future, both musically and concept wise. I can’t think of a better piece of music to bridge the gap between their much awaited fourth full-length album. Quite simply, “Rise of the Ruan~angh” continues to add to the band’s growing legend and solidifies their place in the pantheon of modern doom.

Number 2:

Band Name:  For The Storms

Album Name:  Losing What's Left Of Us

General Information: 

Year of Formation:  2021

Record Label:  Meuse Music Records

As far as what my favorite chapter is, I can’t say I have one. Each one offers a different perspective and approach—it’s not about what is the best, but about how each chapter feels. I won’t go too much into the subject matter for fear of rambling in what is already a long review but a lot of it seems to be about the effects of time, loss, and just general non-existence.  I don’t think I can say enough good things about For The Storm’s “Losing What’s Left of Us.” It hits all the right notes, written by a band with a creative fervor they managed to translate exceptionally well into this massive opus. Any fan of the slower, more despondent genres of metal should not miss this album.

Number 1:

Band Name: Föhn

Album Name: Condescending

General Information: 

Year of Formation:  2016

Record Label:  Hypaethral Records

It’s almost unbelievable that “Condescending” is Föhn’s first album because they handle funeral doom in such a deft, professional way. They aren’t depressing or cavernous for the sake of it but use those elements, among others, as a way to explore their songwriting techniques. This is wholly impressive doom metal and it’s going to be hard to take this monster down. Any other releases coming after need to bring all they have but it still may not be enough. This is, without a doubt, an essential release for 2024.